Working abroad
Discussion
I'm 25 years old, I work in the Construction industry and I'm considering the possibility of plying my trade abroad for a year or two. I thought while I'm still relatively young and not married with kids, now would be the prime opportunity.
My background is as a CAD engineer, but for the past two years I have been running the estimating department. I specialise in off-site manufacturing, so designing and constructing building services on pre-fab frames for install onsite, also known as Modular.
I don't have a degree, instead opting to do a HVAC HND apprenticeship, but I've noticed most of the engineering jobs abroad ask for a degree. Not to underplay the value of a degree, but I know far more than most my age who have spent their time at university and have far more 'real world' knowledge and experience. Would the lack of a degree still work against me?
How easy is it to gain employment abroad and is it difficult? My main concerns are the red tape involved in moving over and working there. I was looking at Australia or the Middle East. It would probably be short-term, 1-2 years.
Can anyone give me advice or share their experiences of working abroad?
My background is as a CAD engineer, but for the past two years I have been running the estimating department. I specialise in off-site manufacturing, so designing and constructing building services on pre-fab frames for install onsite, also known as Modular.
I don't have a degree, instead opting to do a HVAC HND apprenticeship, but I've noticed most of the engineering jobs abroad ask for a degree. Not to underplay the value of a degree, but I know far more than most my age who have spent their time at university and have far more 'real world' knowledge and experience. Would the lack of a degree still work against me?
How easy is it to gain employment abroad and is it difficult? My main concerns are the red tape involved in moving over and working there. I was looking at Australia or the Middle East. It would probably be short-term, 1-2 years.
Can anyone give me advice or share their experiences of working abroad?
Sorry for the delayed reply folks, I assumed this thread had sunk into the abyss.
Really I'd like to move into prefab abroad, maybe as a mechanical engineer, estimating or securing projects. I'd prefer not to go back to drafting as I found the role a little dull (not to offend any drafties, it just wasn't me).
smokey145 said:
Interesting, I'm currently dealing with a few modular subcontractors at the moment (student accomodatio specialists) I am a contractors QS. Looked into working in the middle east, I like you do not have a degree. May prove to be a showstopper as they seem to want this as a matter of course. The money in the middle east is phenomenal right now tho. Your in quite a speciailised area, what have you been applying for?
I haven't really applied for anything as yet. Yeah, modular building services is quite a niche market so I'm hoping that experience will aid my chances of securing work abroad. Coupled with my AutoCAD experience and Estimating Manager, I'm hoping that gives me a broad choice of jobs.Really I'd like to move into prefab abroad, maybe as a mechanical engineer, estimating or securing projects. I'd prefer not to go back to drafting as I found the role a little dull (not to offend any drafties, it just wasn't me).
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